KUWAIT CITY, Oct 17: The Director of the Deportation Department at the Ministry of Interior Brigadier Jassim Al-Misbah revealed that the department has deported 595,211 individuals, which includes 354,168 men, 230,441 women, and 10,602 families, in the last 33 years. In an interview, Brigadier Al-Misbah highlighted that the department aims to complete deportation procedures for individuals, who are referred from all sectors of the Ministry of Interior, within three days. He revealed that the department deported 42,000 expatriates last year and 25,000 expatriates of both sexes since the start of 2024, adding that sponsors are responsible for the deportees’ flight tickets, which can be processed through two travel offices in the department’s building to expedite ticket reservations and departure procedures. Brigadier Al-Misbah clarified that deportation procedures are finalized using a travel document or passport, after which the individual is fingerprinted, and arrangements for their deportation are made before transferring them to Kuwait International Airport under security protocols. He declared that the new building in Sulaibiya is about 90 percent complete, with plans to soon transfer female deportees there, adding that this building will feature a large hall for visitors, a space for lawyers, a supermarket to meet the needs of inmates, and green areas. Brigadier Al-Misbah highlighted the great interest shown by the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior in addressing the humanitarian needs of inmates.

He affirmed that Kuwait has always been a pioneer in humanitarian work and takes into account all aspects in this regard. Below are details of the interview held with Brigadier Jassim Al-Misbah

 Question: Can you explain the process followed at the Deportation Department?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: We receive violators from various security sectors, including Public Security, Traffic, Rescue, Residency Affairs, and Criminal Investigations. Each violator undergoes checks to verify their identity with the presented photograph and information. This is followed by recording the personal and other forensic related data, and then undergoing the biometric registration process using the devices set up exclusively for deportees. The department also coordinates with the Criminal Execution Prosecution, the General Department of Investigations, and the General Department for Sentences Enforcement regarding violators who have travel ban orders related to specific cases. It contacts the technical office of the Ministry of Justice to expedite the scheduling of court sessions.

Q: What are the main tasks performed by the department?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: Our primary role is to implement both administrative and judicial deportation decisions. Q: How do you treat the deportees? Brigadier Al-Misbah: The department is keen about treating those awaiting deportation following the basic principles of human rights and following the relevant laws of the country and the international and regional treaties to which Kuwait is a party. All detainees are treated with the necessary respect and dignity. They are provided with food and health care until they leave the country. We also have dedicated clinics for both men and women.

Q: Are deportees allowed to meet with their embassy representatives?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: Yes of course they can meet with representatives of their embassies in Kuwait, and they are also able to communicate with their families.

Q: How long do deportees typically stay in the facility?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: We strive to complete the deportation process as quickly as possible, with an average stay of about 72 hours if a passport or emergency travel document is available.

Q: Are there cases that take longer?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: Yes, delays can occur due to some embassies’ lack of cooperation in issuing travel documents for their citizens, or due to existing travel bans from the Public Prosecution, or the presence of pending court sessions.

Q: What about deportees without documents?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: In this case, we coordinate with the General Department of Correctional Institutions to reach out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Affairs Sector to coordinate with the relevant embassies and obtain travel documents for deportees. If the nationality of the individual cannot be identified, we consult the Central System for Remedying Status of Illegal Residents to gather any available data so that a travel document can be issued for them.

Q: Are there children staying in the deportation facility with their families?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: Yes, sometimes women who are referred for deportation come with their children. We provide the necessary care for these children, including appropriate food, health care and other requirements. They are usually housed with their mothers in designated areas away from the rest of the detainees until their departure with their mothers.

Q: Does the deportation process include the deportee’s family?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: The Deportation Department is an executive department that acts on the administrative and judicial deportation orders issued against those who are referred to it by the security authorities. It is not responsible to decide whether the family of the deportee is to be deported with him. However, if an administrative order is issued to deport the deportee’s family, that order is implemented.

Q: What humanitarian services do you provide to deportees?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: We provide deportees with sleeping and accommodation arrangements, three daily meals, and necessary health care through the medical clinics that operate around the clock for both men and women.

Q: What is the capacity of the new building in Sulaibiya?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: The new facility can accommodate 910 men and 400 women.

Q: Have there been any changes in the transfer procedures from the deportation center to the airport after the recent escape incident by an inmate who was caught in less than 24 hours?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: Yes, we have implemented stricter procedures to prevent such incidents from recurring. We are considering using monitoring bracelets during the transfer process. We have also employed highly trained and efficient security personnel for this purpose.

Q: How many individuals do you deport daily?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: The numbers vary. Last month, we deported 2,897 men and women. Some months the numbers are higher. We are working hard to complete the deportation procedures for the detainees as quickly as possible.

Q: What types of cases are received from the various sectors of the ministry?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: The deportation department handles both administrative and judicial cases. Administrative deportation is conducted based on the order of the Ministry of Interior, as outlined in Article 16 of Decree No. 17/1959 regarding the Foreigners’ Residence Law.
This article allows the head of the police and public security departments to issue a written order to deport any foreigner, even if they hold a residence permit, in the following situations:
1. If the foreigner has been sentenced by the court, which recommends deportation in its ruling.
2. If the foreigner lacks apparent means of livelihood.
3. If the head of the police and public security departments determines that deportation is necessary for public interest, security, or morals.

Cases of administrative deportation are referred to the public interest by relevant authorities in the ministry, subject to the approval of the First Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, and the Minister of Interior. Residents may be deported for various offenses, including theft, drug-related crimes, breach of trust, returning after deportation without documentation, adultery, sodomy, premarital pregnancy, and giving birth under similar circumstances. The department also processes cases involving expatriates whose residency has expired or who have violated residency laws. In terms of judicial deportation, individuals referred to the Department by the General Department for Sentences Enforcement have been sentenced by a court to deportation after serving their prison terms for crimes punishable by law.

Q: Do you provide travel tickets or are the travel tickets for deportees borne by their sponsor or the deportee himself? Brigadier Al-Misbah: If the sponsor or deportee does not provide a ticket, we reserve one at the ministry’s expense through the travel companies contracted with the ministry and located in the building of the Deportation Department. Once the ticket is issued, we register a financial claim against the sponsor - either an individual or a company - and a sponsorship ban in placed on the sponsor until the ticket cost is paid.

Q: Can you tell us about the medical clinic in the deportation building?
Brigadier Jassim Al-Misbah: The clinic is located in the deportation building and is fully equipped for check-ups and treatment, with all necessary medical supplies. If a patient requires hospitalization, we prepare a report and transfer them promptly for further care.

Q: How does the deportation department ensure the clinic meets the needs of the inmates?
Brigadier Jassim Al-Misbah: The department has made every effort to equip the clinic appropriately. Kuwait has always been a pioneer in humanitarian work by providing top-notch medical services and equipment. I am grateful for these efforts in offering humanitarian services.

Q: How do the staff treat the inmates?
Brigadier Jassim Al-Misbah: The workers in the deportation department treat inmates with respect and professionalism. I personally oversee procedures followed inside the wards, listen to the needs of the inmates, and work to solve any problem they face. We provide around-the-clock service for the deportees, taking into account the humanitarian aspects. Our goal is to facilitate the deportation process smoothly, without any problems or obstacles.

Q: Can you describe the living conditions for deportees?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: We ensure that deportees receive three meals a day. We have new bathrooms for both men and women, and there is cold drinking water available for them. The living quarters are regularly cleaned and sanitized, and the wings are airconditioned for the comfort of the deportees.

Q: Is it true that Minister Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef has been keenly overseeing the deportation process?
 Brigadier Al-Misbah: Following his visit to the old building of the deportation department in Jleeb Al- Shuyoukh, Minister Sheikh Fahad Al- Yousef issued directives to transfer to the new building and ensure the new facility meets all needs for both inmates and staff. Also, the Director General of the General Department of Correctional Institutions Brigadier Fahad Al-Obaid has been keen on taking into account the humanitarian needs of deportees and expediting their travel procedures to ensure they reach their countries safely.

Q: Are human rights organizations allowed to visit?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: Yes, our doors are open for human rights organizations and lawyers who wish to understand our work mechanisms and meet with inmates. The department operates as an executive body, and inmates are temporarily detained until legal procedures are finalized.

Q: What about visits from families and friends?
Brigadier Al-Misbah: The Deportation Department takes into account the humanitarian aspects. We allow friends or relatives to visit deportees if they do not have family here. Visits are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays every week, with exceptional cases requiring notification to the department director. Embassy representatives can meet their nationals daily, and visit durations are flexible until the purpose of the visit is completed.

Meanwhile, when the Daily recently visited one of the wards housing several inmates, many of them expressed their appreciation for the services provided by the Ministry of Interior and the efficient handling of their deportation procedures. One inmate remarked, “May Allah honor Kuwait.” The inmates also thanked the Deportation Department and its staff for treating them respectfully and meeting their needs during their temporary stay in the wards. The daily also noticed that the rapport between security officers and inmates was positive. During the inspection led by Brigadier Al-Misbah, he actively listened to their needs and addressed them with respect and professionalism.

By Munif Naif
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff